Compared to nonsmokers, most smokers tend to consume more alcohol and high caloric food ― such as fatty foods. They also have lower intake of antioxidant vitamins (vitamins C, E and A) from healthy vegetables and fruits, thereby having a higher risk of atherosclerosis and various cancers. Most smokers tend to consume more coffee (3-10 cups per day) and have irregular dietary habits.Changes in serum lipid levelsNicotine in cigarettes increases the free fatty acid levels in the serum, to raise the

A growing number of Koreans are seeking medical attention for vitamin D deficiency, a common condition among those who do not get enough exposure to sunlight, a government report showed.According to the National Health Insurance Service, the number of Koreans who sought medical help for vitamin D deficiency increased ninefold from 2009-2013 ― from 2,027 to 18,637.“More people are now aware that vitamin D deficiency can affect one’s muscles, bones and immunity and is even associated with cancer,”

NEW YORK (AP) ― How’s that new year, new you fitness pledge going? January, the start of New Year’s resolution month, sees a healthy uptick in sign-ups at gyms and specialized studios offering such things as Pilates, kickboxing and yoga. But money-saving expert Andrea Woroch in Bakersfield, California, said recent statistics show 67 percent of people who join don’t use their memberships at all. With the average monthly fee at $58, that means a potential waste of up to $700 a year or more, she sa

‘Sense of community is secret behind CrossFit craze in Korea’

A state-run health research institute said it has found that Korean men in their 60s and women in their 40s were most vulnerable to alcohol-induced mental conditions including dementia and alcoholic hallucinosis among all Koreans.The number of Koreans who sought medical help for the condition has increased from 2008 to 2012, from 63,821 to 75,925. The total cost spent to treat the condition increased from 136.3 billion won ($124.5 million) in 2008 to 217.5 billion won in 2012.According to Dr. Le

Heart attack has been the No. 1 killer in the world for the last decade and deaths from the disease are still on the rise. As the human heart works continuously during one’s lifetime, a healthy coronary artery, which supplies it with blood, is vital for a healthy heart. As people age, the arterial wall gradually thickens and hardens, which is called atherosclerosis. Enlarged atherosclerotic plaque can become unstable and rupture suddenly. A blood clot is formed in ruptured plaque within minutes

The prostate is a male organ located below the bladder. It wraps around the urethra and is responsible for making the main components of semen. Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate, but it is a syndrome that is diagnosed by symptoms as it does not always involve bacterial infection.SymptomsThe symptoms of prostatitis include pain and urinary symptoms. The pain is mainly in the testicles, penis, perineum and the lower back, and can be associated with urination or ejaculation. Urinar

While the crisp air and snow-covered streets can paint a pleasant wintry picture, cold weather can also bring a number of serious health hazards, including hypothermia and frostbite.This winter has been particularly harsh in South Korea, with its average December temperature notably lower than the seasonal average. A total of 137 people were reported to have suffered from either hypothermia or frostbite from Dec. 1 to 18.Among them, 21.6 percent were placed in intensive care, while 15.5 percent

For many people with irritable bowel syndrome, their symptoms don’t give a clear indication of their condition. While IBS is a common gut disorder which causes abdominal pain, bloating, and sometimes bouts of diarrhea and or constipation, those who suffer indigestion ― also known as functional dyspepsia ― may experience the same, often accompanied with nausea or heartburn.But Dr. Jeong Seong-ae at the Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital says that what worries the patients most is that such s

Bile is made in the liver and stored in the gall bladder. It is secreted into the duodenum as the gall bladder contracts when food is consumed, aiding in digestion. Gallstones refer to stone formations in the duct that the bile flows through. Depending on its location, it can be categorized as an intrahepatic gallstone, ductal stone or gall bladder stone. Of these, stones are most commonly found in the gall bladder.The cause of gallstonesThere are various types of gallstones, such as cholesterol

DUBLIN (AFP) ― Ten years since setting a trend with its workplace smoking ban, Ireland is pushing ahead to be the first EU state with plain packaging for cigarettes despite fierce opposition from tobacco companies.As part of Dublin’s plan to make Ireland a smoke-free society by 2025 ― meaning a prevalence rate of under 5 percent ― lawmakers will vote to introduce plain packaging in the new year.Under the draft legislation before parliament, all forms of branding, including logos and colors, woul